I am a high school track and field coach in southern Ohio. On May 2nd, 2008, my school will be hosting a high school invitational, that we are calling the Kiwi Classic. I have been lucky enough to have visited New Zealand many times and love the country. I was also able to visit Arthur Lydiard and spend time in his home and have him visit me here in Ohio in 2004 on his last tour that Nobby put together. Peter Snell met with me in Dallas to talk about training, and working with high school athletes and went out of his way to show me kindness and hospitality. Arthur introduced me to a gentleman he helped train for the marathon from Christchurch who moved to Athens, Ohio. Dr. Kerry Ragg, he became a great friend and mentor in training my high school athletes. Sadly Dr. Ragg and Arthur are no longer with us. Since meeting Arthur, Peter, and Kerry, and using their advice my track teams have won four conference and four district titles in a row. In my own way I want to show my appreciation to those men and honor New Zealand's great running heritage with this high school meet. The distance events and several awards will be named after some of Arthur's Boys and other Kiwi greats. The John Walker Mile, the Murray Halberg two mile for example. We will be serving Kiwi tucker in our food stand, playing Kiwi music etc. Displays will also be set up highlighting New Zealand as a travel destination and various Kiwi businesses. In December I am traveling to New Zealand to pick out Maori handicrafts and other items to be given out as team and athlete awards. I currently have 3 large New Zealand companies helping me as sponors and even Winston Peters, wrote me a letter supporting the meet.
I know many Kiwis read this board so I am asking for advice and ideas to help this meet be a success and honor those men and your country properly. One thing I need is to contact some of these men to make sure it is ok if I use their name in our races and awards. I am looking to contact Murray Halberg, Bill Baillie, Dick Taylor, Dick Quax, Rod Dixon, Barry Magee, John Walker, and Mike Ryan. Also if there is anyone I left out, that you think should be honored please let me know. (I already have contacted Peter Snell.) I appreciate your time in reading this and in any help you might give.